Welcoming
In order to be close to the poor, least and marginalised people of society, the Community of Pope John XXIII has realised different kinds of centres. These are all based on the 'family-home model'.
The reasons why we welcome the least
'Moved by the Spirit to follow the poor and servant Jesus, the members of the Community, in accordance with their specific vocation, commit themselves to sharing directly the life of the least; that is, putting their own life together with theirs, taking on their situation ...' (From the Foundation Charter of the association)
Introduction
The 'Community of Pope John XXIII' association opened its first family home near Rimini, in Italy, in 1973. There are now about 300 family homes in 25 countries of the five continents. In order to respond to the needs of the poorest of the poor, the Community of Pope John XXIII is always searching for new ways of direct sharing. This is particularly true for those who do not come to look for us or who cannot be welcomed by every family or family-home. In over 35 years of experience, the Community, in addition to family homes, has established 220 centres of various kinds and created 26 juridical bodies. Every day over 38,000 people sit at the Community’s table. At present, there are about 1,850 members of the Community worldwide. These figures include those who are verifying the Community's specific spirituality and vocation, that was officially recognised by the Church in March 2004.
Types of welcoming centres
Here you can find a brief description of the main types of welcoming centres and ways of sharing our lives.
- Houses of prayer
- The Bethlehem's Huts
- Therapeutic communities for substance abusers
- Houses of fraternity
- Social cooperatives